Savannah Marshall Sets Sights on Rematch with Claressa Shields in PFL: ‘My Ultimate Goal’

Savannah Marshall, the undisputed super middleweight champion of women’s boxing, is set to make her MMA debut this Saturday at PFL Europe 2 in Newcastle, England. Marshall, who usually fights with 10-ounce gloves in the boxing ring, will be trading them in for four-ounce gloves as she faces off against Mirela Vargas.

In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Marshall revealed how the transition from boxing to MMA came about. After her fight with Claressa Shields at the O2, where Shields signed with PFL, the organization approached Marshall with the idea of potentially facing Shields in the cage. Intrigued by the opportunity and the lack of opportunities for female boxers during lockdown in 2020, Marshall decided to give MMA a try.

Although MMA was never on Marshall’s bucket list, she saw the potential for growth and opportunities in the sport. After training with MMA fighters Molly McCann and Leah McCourt in Liverpool, Marshall decided to take the leap into the cage. Now, with a four-fight deal with PFL, Marshall’s primary goal is to secure a rematch with Shields inside the cage.

Marshall’s opponent, Claressa Shields, has already fought three times in the PFL, with a 2-1 record. Despite initially being critical of Shields’ move to MMA, Marshall now has a better appreciation for the challenges of transitioning from boxing to MMA.

As the fight approaches, Marshall is feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. With the unfamiliarity of stepping into the cage and walking to the fight in flip-flops, Marshall is embracing the unknown and looking forward to the opportunity.

PFL Europe 2 will take place this Saturday at Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England, where fans will get to see Savannah Marshall make her highly anticipated MMA debut. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and historic moment in Marshall’s career as she embarks on this new chapter in combat sports.